I think in many sectors the policies are conducive. The most recent example is the Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Project, where IFC was the lead public-private-partnership (PPP) transaction advisor. We helped structure the bidding process to include a three-tiered payment security mechanism.

Private Equity (PE) in India is still in its nascent stage, accounting for roughly 1 per cent of GDP. This is in contrast to almost 3 per cent in the US. However, PE funding has come a long way in the recent past, accounting for 3 to 5 per cent of the total capital raised by Indian companies, says MAHESH SINGHI.

The new 10.8 kilometre Chenani-Nashri tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir, the longest highway tunnel in Asia, will feature a state-of-the-art ABB ventilation system to ensure that users have access to fresh air as they drive through it. ABB India has partnered with IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd and Sterling & Wilson Ltd in the development of yet another major Indian infrastructure project.

All states will implement GST by July 2017. The Constitution Amendment Bill for Goods and Services Tax has been approved by the President of India post its approval in Parliament (Rajya Sabha on 3 August 2016 and Lok Sabha on 8 August 2016) and ratification by more than 50 per cent of state legislatures.

Private equity firm Lone Star has joined hands with IL&FS to invest in struggling Indian infrastructure projects. The tie-up will have an investment corpus of $550 million, which could result in asset purchases of up to $2.5 billion, according to the partners.

Private equity firm Lone Star has joined hands with IL&FS to invest in struggling Indian infrastructure projects. The tie-up will have an investment corpus of $550 million, which could result in asset purchases of up to $2.5 billion, according to the partners.

The Union Budget for fiscal 2018 has a progressive outlook and encourages investments with initiatives like affordable housing being given infrastructure status to avail new funding avenues. The Budget has expanded the scope for the capital and bond markets.

Infrastructure is the backbone of any economy. But good infrastructure development needs good planning. Lack of planning is the biggest problem. China in comparison to India has shown better planning and flexibility while executing infrastructure projects. India has lagged behind due to its political system and populist outlook.